Skip to main content
CBD Cold Weather Stress Solutions This Winter

CBD Cold Weather Stress Solutions This Winter

Dec 23rd 2021

Cold stress is a real thing, and as temperatures continue to drop, the lack of heat can affect the body both mentally and physically.

CBD cold weather options may be able to help combat symptoms of temperature-induced stress.

Many people have found CBD to help with stress because of the way it interacts with endocannabinoid receptors in the body, and some even show the effects of managing “cold-stress”. Cold weather brings anxiety and cold-induced stress in many people.  CBD has been shown to help in stabilizing cold-weather induced stress processes, especially in the post-exposure time-frame.  This means CBD is your perfect après-ski go-to!

What is Cold Stress?

The scientific reasoning for cold stress is that cold exposure reduces skin temperature and eventually the internal body core temperature. This can put a lot of stress on the body as it attempts to return to a point of homeostasis (balance within the body.)

When the body is cold, blood is reduced in the extremities such as hands and feet. It is diverted to internal organs to prevent them from slowing or shutting down. This inherent danger causes the body to become stressed and is often evidenced by an increase in blood pressure.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), what constitutes cold stress and its effects can vary across different areas of the country. In regions relatively unaccustomed to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered factors for cold stress. This means that a person living in Hawaii would likely experience “cold stress” at a higher temperature than someone living in Alaska.

CBD Cold Pressor Test

A recent study used a cold pressor test to evaluate the effect of CBD oil on cold stress. This is a cardiovascular test that is performed by immersing the hand into a container of ice water. The test usually lasts about a minute. During this time changes in blood pressure and heart rate are monitored.

When the test was conducted on groups that had taken CBD and those who did not, the placebo group showed a continual rise in blood pressure, which equates to stress. The CBD group hit a plateau in blood pressure.

“Our data show that a single dose of CBD reduces resting blood pressure and the blood pressure response to stress, particularly cold stress, and especially in the post-test periods," stated the report from researchers Jadoon KA, Tan GD, and O'Sullivan SE.

/

Physical Discomfort from Cold Weather

There are several reasons cold weather can increase stress and anxiety, both mentally and physically. From a physical aspect, cold temperatures can shrink joint tissues, like those found in hips and knees. This can pull on nerve endings and cause joint pain.

Do you remember the old Dr. Scholls shoe insert commercials? A person whose feet are uncomfortable tends to be more moody and irritable. The same goes for people with cold-induced joint pain.

Pain is processed by receptors that initiate a response. Every animal with vertebrae has a natural endocannabinoid system. Just like the respiratory system and the nervous system, the endocannabinoid system is necessary for a properly functioning body. Receptors in the endocannabinoid system inhibit production of the enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter “anandamide.” The purpose of anandamide is to block pain receptors. More anandamide equals less cold weather joint discomfort.

CBD oil can assist in this process from the inside out or topically, as there are also cannabinoid receptors underneath the skin. CBD cold weather coping mechanisms may be able to assist in minimizing physical discomfort from reduced temperatures. 

Mental Stress from Being Cold

When the temperatures drop, everything seems to move slower. Chemically, the body may slow because, as previously mentioned, blood is needed in more crucial areas such as vital organs. This can cause hands, feet and larger extremities to move much more slowly with less coordination. Slower movements can hinder motivation and ability to be physically active, which can also be stressful..

You know what else moves slower in cold weather? Traffic. And that can cause a whole other level of stress! Trying to drive in snowy or raining conditions is tough on most people, especially when the road conditions are really poor and you pass the occasional car that has somehow ended up hopelessly stuck sideways on the side of the road. This kind of stress can cause the body’s natural fight or flight response to kick in, increasing cortisol and potential panic.

Mental stress from lack of productivity can be overwhelming and can lead to a potentially bad day. Let’s say you take an extra 10 minutes looking for your gloves before leaving for work. You have to shovel the driveway before you can leave which takes additional time. Oh, and by the way, your diesel vehicle is not any happier about the cold than you are.

width="800"

Snow Rage

The perfect storm of mental and physical stress from cold weather can make people a little crazy. Some have coined the term “snow rage” to represent moments when a person is so stressed about cold weather conditions that they become enraged and act out of character. CBD cold weather coping with natural mood-boosting compounds may help you avoid “snow rage.”

CBD Cold Weather Stress Solutions

The endocannabinoid receptors scattered strategically throughout the body also exist in the brain. These receptors are different from others in the body because they can conduct two-way communication. This allows for the exchange of information to happen, which means a better opportunity to asses the situation.

When the brain is overwhelmed by stress, the two-way communication system allows for cells to talk to each other. This helps them find a way to quiet the mind and achieve balance or a baseline stress level, in an attempt to mitigate anxiety.

Increased stress also has a tendency to create free radicals. Free radicals have been linked to anxiety disorders as well as numerous other health concerns. Antioxidants like those present in Receptra CBD oil are able to mitigate the cascade of free radicals. 

CBD cold weather stress coping options can be as easy as taking a dropper or two of Receptra CBD oil throughout the day. For physical irritation, applying Targeted Topical can help relieve discomfort within minutes.